The FastDay Forum

I've accidentally done a 3 day fast. My planned fast day was on Friday, which went well. Yesterday I woke up feeling not a bit hungry so didn't bother with breakfast. I was busy during the day, so missed lunch & by then thought I might as well have two back- to-back fast days.

Today, I've had a bit of a tummy bug (sorry TMI!) and so it's accidentally turned into a 3 day fast. But I've felt quite energetic and have done a lot of walking. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

I'm going out for dinner tomorrow so I know it's not going to drift into a four day fast!

Be careful when you break an extra-long fast. Re-feeding is often much harder on your body than the fast itself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refeeding_syndrome

Thanks, Bruce. I must admit I was a bit worried by my lack of appetite. I have no history of restricting calories so it's come as a surprise. Any advice about eating again?

Now I've read the Wiki article, I'm scared!

Dr M did a 4 day fast in his book, but doesn't mention referring syndrome. I wonder whether those on very low calorie diets (like the Cambridge Diet) for months are at risk?

I'm not a doctor, so I don't feel comfortable giving specific advice. The big thing would be to read up on it, take it slow, look for the signs of refeeding syndrome, make sure other people are looking in on you -- calling your doctor and asking them would be a good idea. I think the best thing is to take it slow and not simply start eating again like you normally break your daily 8-10 hour fasts.

Don't let your refeeding become "accidental" like your fasting was!

Remember Dr. Moseley is a MD and he was also under medical supervision from another Doctor who specialized in fasting.

Thanks again, Bruce!